Broken

[Emily Bea]

Sometimes it's weird to me that this is the only way I communicate with you (or at least some of you).

Blogging is just odd.

It's an attempt to be connected, but it often fails miserably.

I was recently reading through some past entries in my hardcover journal. I was brutally honest about my life and feelings. Here, on the blog, it just can't be the same ~ being that vulnerable to the public world. It's a shame we can't just be honest and open and have people accept that ~ empathize with it, learn from it, and bond through it. However, I hope to be a bit more vulnerable and personal here, and a lot less judgmental. I've been trying this in my day to day life and have been finding it's mostly positive.

It's easy to be cynical about people, but through this I've been reminded how caring and understanding people really are deep down.

I read this the other day on Raw for Beauty's blog ~ just wanted to share it.

I was recently told of an African tribe that does the most beautiful thing.

When someone does something hurtful and wrong, they take the person to the center of town, and the entire tribe comes and surrounds him. For two days they’ll tell the man every good thing he has ever done.

The tribe believes that every human being comes into the world as GOOD, each of us desiring safety, love, peace, happiness.

But sometimes in the pursuit of those things people make mistakes. The community sees misdeeds as a cry for help.

They band together for the sake of their fellow man to hold him up, to reconnect him with his true Nature, to remind him who he really is, until he fully remembers the truth from which he’d temporarily been disconnected: “I AM GOOD”.

(Originally posted on http://rawforbeauty.com/blog/the-most-beautiful-thing.html)

Goodnight and Thank You

[Evita - New Broadway Cast Recording]

3 Things for Today...

1) I swam the full mile consecutively today. Actually, 1700m. 

[plus another 1050m of warm up/drills/cool down]

2) Hilz left me a box of pastries and a mixed CD when she stopped by to drop off cupcakes for my co-workers birthday. Mixed CDs are the best! [And only better when assisted with sugar]

3) I got this in the mail:

A good day in my books.

Summertime

[Moonpools & Caterpillars]

Have I been living in a hole?

What's up with 3 posts for June?

That's PATHETIC!

I could have blogged yesterday, but passed out at 5pm and slept through the night until 6am.

I think my body was trying to tell me something. I needed rest. Badly.

It's been a crazy month. But, it's summer...so I wouldn't have it ANY other way.

So what's kept me busy...
(nothing important)

...Triathlon Training

Uh...GIVEN. Dur...

But, it is nice to know that I am still fighting. I think it's the biggest reason I crashed yesterday. After having a 30+ mile bike ride on Tuesday, I was pretty wiped. But, I am getting much more confident on the bike. Clipping in and out is becoming more natural and I am actually starting to rely on the pull up during the pedal rotation, so I am glad I stuck with the clip less pedals. I challenged myself to attack a hill that nearly gave me a heart attack during one of my first rides. And I did pretty good my second time around, which I owe to clip less pedals, a good base, and understanding the gears better. I didn't have to get off the bike after...an accomplishment all in it's own.

I started brick workouts this past weekend. My first being a 45 min. swim followed by an 85 min. bike ride. It went great. I am actually not nervous for that transition. It's the bike to run that scares me. My quads take a beating on the bike. I have yet to see how that affects my run. Hopefully, I can rely on knowing I am a good runner and let myself mentally use the confidence to push through the pain.

I still have a wet suit, tri top, a new pair of running shoes, and tie less shoelaces to purchase. Other than that, I am ready to at least finish.

...Parties

The month started out with Leah's birthday party at Mt. Fuji's where we karaoke-ed to our hearts content...I may have rapped out to Eminem with Leah. That's right, foo...bring it...

We then celebrated Derch's birthday with some Thai food and Prometheus.

And let's not forget Father's day where we BBQ-ed at my Dad's house. The more I spend time with my Dad the cooler I think he is. It's nice that he's just chill.

...Reading 

Summertime was made for reading. And I've got the fever.

I am reading a couple things.

• Running with the Mind of Meditation by Sakyong Mipham (Gift from my mother-in-law; pretty fascinating)
• The Triathlete's Training Bible by Joe Friel (Still cranking through this MFer)
• 50 Shades of Grey by E L James (Yep, I gave in. What's the fuss? OH...that...)

And then I've got my magazine's...Runner's World, Triathlete Mag, Fitness, Self, and Women's Health. I want to point out one freakin' amazing article from Runner's World this month. I am in awe of Kellie Wells, what a tragic life. If the olympics or running or personal stories are your thing, read it. I hope she makes it far.  Can't wait to watch her at the Olympic trials which started today!

Oh and then there's...

...Sleeping

...Laying out at the pool and soaking in the hot tub

...Listening to the new Jukebox the Ghost CD and the Gomer's 4.5 Season.

...Watching Desperate Housewives

...Beating KC at a 1 mile race. Paced a personal best of 7:23.

...Running the Dirty Dash

...Chatting with friends online

...Booking a trip to Michigan

...and then all that other stuff in between.

Summer 2012. I am liking you. Let's keep things up.

Time of the Season

[The Zombies]

For seriously. I need to take a break from NYC. I am getting behind on some of the good stuff...


THIS Sunday my seester is on Cupcake Wars Champions! Set your DVR's for 6pm MST on the Food Network channel. If you missed the first episode she was on....go here. To see their audition video...go here.


If you are on facebook, you probably saw THIS photo:

KC, Chris Kattan, and Me

For which KC added this comment:

"It kind of looks like I shouldn't be in this pic. Oh, wait. I've got one like that too ;)"

Yep, he got one of just Chris and I, too....and it was kind of awkward.

Chris Kattan and Me

The short of it...Chris kept eyeing me after the performance. We stepped up to take a photo. Great. KC then jumped out to take one of just Chris and I. Chris blatantly looked my up and down and did a "huh, huh, huh" growl. Then was like, "Yes, let's get one of just us." A-W-K-WAR-D! [He was kind of a perv without that...let alone with that.]

Okay..NEXT!

I went to a race clinic tonight. I learned a TON at the nutrition clinic. I was beyond mesmerized at the Bike Maintenance clinic. But, the running clinic....I think I am a pro. There was only a small bit of information about form that I hadn't heard before, but the rest...come on! I've got this! [I don't think I realized how much I actually know about running...and to be honest, since I am such a beginner in the other sports I needed that boost of confidence.]

This one is a killer....literally. Ummm...if yous alls didn't know...I am TERRIFIED of Zombies. I think it's because I really like watching Zombie shows and it's caused me to believe this could really happen some day. If there was an actual Zombie Apocalypse I've sworn I would kill myself at the first news announcement of it. I've informed KC, so that he doesn't go looking for me...just assume I'm peacefully dead and my body is being fed on.

So, enter the Miami man....

No back up. Let me tell you how the news was broken to me.

It's 7:30am on Wednesday. My co-worker, Cortni says to me and another colleague, "So did you guys hear about the guy in Miami?" Ben mumbled something about having heard. Not knowing, I looked at Cortni and said, "Is it bad?" (Thinking it was probably another school shooting or something.) Her face got stone cold serious, she leaned forward in her chair, and whispered "F!@#%ing Zombies, Man". I immediately got a pit in my stomach. For reals?! "That's not funny...Zombies! Where's a sharp object I can kill myself with now?" Luckily, she finished the story before I had a chance. And we've been laughing about the "F'n Zombies, Man" comment for a good 40 hours now. If there is an actual Zombie Apocalypse can someone break the news to me that way? At least I'll get a good laugh before I commit suicide.

Ho, hum...anything else this week I've missed? I think that's good for now. Back to your regularly scheduled NYC update...

[Can you believe I made it through a post without mentioning Ricky Martin?...okay...almost made it through an entire post...shucks!]

The Way I Are

[Timbaland]


Saturday.

I don't usually post on Saturdays. It's my long run, errand, and hanging day. But, it's the last day of March and if I post today, then I'll have 17 posts and a record for one month.

I like beating personal records.

So time for some randomness. Get ready. You know as much as I do where this is going.

Did you know that most road bikes cost more than my car? Ya...

...And I look really nerdy in a bike helmet.

I may be purchasing this bike tomorrow:

It's a used bike that belonged to my co-worker's grandma. Neither of my grandmas would have ever ridden a bike this cool. I am taking it for a test ride tomorrow. I really, really hope it works out.

I have a headache right now. I didn't drink enough water after my run [bad].

It's probably safe to say my March running mileage is in.

What? I would have only needed to run .32 miles to break 80 miles for the month. Shoot me. Aye, papi! Maybe I need to go for a jog around the block. OH WAIT! My long run last week had 3/4 miles unlogged because I paused my watch and forgot to turn it back on for that distance.


Boo-yah! Totally broke 80 miles for the month!!!

Got my new iPad cover. Beauty, right?

NYC Grid w/ a nod to Triathlons
I found the map, changed the colors, & added the symbols.
My own custom cover :)

Speaking of NYC. One Month. Can't. Come. Fast. Enough.

I have a crush on Paul Rudd.

LOVED. loved. LOVED. Hunger Games. So glad it didn't go bad like the twilight series. Those totally ruined the book. And I have a girl crush on Jennifer Lawrence.

I think it's time to grow out my bangs. Kind of getting tired of clipping them back during my workouts, which are getting more often and longer. I like them, but they just aren't practical right now.

Easter has got to be the lamest holiday. Can we move onto my birthday already? [I just want some carrot cake cheesecake...drool].

I love this April's Runner's World. Good stuff.

Speaking of weight-loss, tomorrow is the semi-annual homemade donuts day. Hooray! Perk for living close to mom.

I went on a 6 mile run with the Triology club today. Tough group. We were pacing 8 minute miles for a while. Impressed by the quality of athletes. I have a feeling they are going to make me better whether I want it or not.

Does this count. Is my post complete?

Lucky

 [Britney Spears]

I didn't even know it was my lucky day until it was over. Seriously, I should have taken more advantage of the day. But, I didn't know...okay?

I happened to enter two giveaways earlier this week, on two running blogs I read. I usually don't enter these random drawings, simply because, what's the likelihood you'll win? (Plus, I work in email marketing and understand how easily people try to find loopholes or trick you into getting on their list).

But, I've been following both these gals and between trusting them and really wanting a shot at the giveaways, I decided what the hey!

Lo and behold, I won both. 

No joke.

My mom claims I am the luckiest person she knows. She'll die when she reads this.

The cuff bracelet above was one of these coveted items. It was given away by the sweetie over at Runwiki (Lisa) and made by GeekDecree...So cute, right? [Thanks again, girls!]

The cuff is supposed to be a display of your personal mantra. And for the purposes of the contest.. a running mantra, specifically.

I chose to go with a direct quote from Dr. Seuss and a reference to another quote Shel Silverstein; both that I think about a lot when I struggle or doubt I can get through a hurdle (particularly during training or when I take on a new challenge...aka - marathon, triathlon):

"Anything is possible, anything can be."

-Dr. Seuss

“Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”

-Shel Silverstein

I love the bracelet. A constant reminder that I can do anything. Even if I'm the one saying that it's impossible or I never have...Anything is possible, anything can be... Including, swim a mile [wink]. 

What is your mantra?

Einstein Puzzle

I've been meaning to post this on my blog for a few weeks. It is a puzzle that a co-worker of mine had me do. I love logic puzzles like this. It took me approx. 25-30 minutes. Try it out... (and if you like it I'll give you and even harder one that we did.)

Einstein's Puzzle

Variations of this riddle appear on the net from time to time. It is sometimes attributed to Albert Einstein and it is claimed that 98% of the people are incapable of solving it. Some commentators suggest that Einstein created such puzzles not to test out intelligence but to get rid of all the students who wanted him as an advisor. It is not likely that there is any truth to these stories. Wherever this comes from, it is a nice riddle.

---

Let us assume that there are five houses of different colors next to each other on the same road. In each house lives a man of a different nationality. Every man has his favorite drink, his favorite brand of cigarettes, and keeps pets of a particular kind.

1. The Englishman lives in the red house.
2. The Swede keeps dogs.
3. The Dane drinks tea.
4. The green house is just to the left of the white one.
5. The owner of the green house drinks coffee.
6. The Pall Mall smoker keeps birds.
7. The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhills.
8. The man in the center house drinks milk.
9. The Norwegian lives in the first house.
10. The Blend smoker has a neighbor who keeps cats.
11. The man who smokes Blue Masters drinks bier.
12. The man who keeps horses lives next to the Dunhill smoker.
13. The German smokes Prince.
14. The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.
15. The Blend smoker has a neighbor who drinks water.

The question to be answered is: Who keeps fish?


Post your answer in the comments section and I'll let you know if you are right.

Week #14-16

Getting back on track. Because life is good, this list will be a piece of cake. [knock on wood]

1. Took a few days off of work and had a mini vacation with Becky and KC.

2. I got my nose pierced.

3. KC and I celebrated our birthdays. We are old. 27 years old, in fact. That's this first age where I thought for a moment...that's kind of old.

4. Listening to the Jersey Boys soundtrack and singing out with KC to "December 1963 (What a Night)".

5. Got some exciting news from Kelsy. I love that Kelsy. Can't wait to have my BFF back!

6. Started Marathon Training. I've run a total of 47 miles this round of training.

This book is changing my whole outlook on running. Thanks for convincing me to read it Krick!

7. Watching the Red Sox sweep the Angels. Becky, what have you done? There are SOOOO many games! [shaking head].

8. KC is growing back some beard scruff and he looks really smokin'. He's good lookin', if I might say so. So ya, my hot husband makes me happy. And he's smart and funny. I got the entire package ;)

9. The idea of being able to hug and play with my nephews in less than a month. Eeeeeeek!

Me and "B" - 2009

"Scratch" and Me - 2010

Me and "Oz" - 2009

When I left only Basil could walk. Now they all have full conversations with me on the phone and webcam. These boys are bringing me back. Otherwise, I think I might send KC home and I'll hang out East for a bit longer.

10. Enjoying my new position at work and having a job to support KC and I. Plus being able to clock out at a normal hour is amazing!

PS - The idea of packing is NOT making me happy. So life isn't perfect. But it's good.

Sleepy Vieve

When KC and I were dating, I often fell asleep next to him while we were watching TV or a movie. Occassionally, I would sleep talk. The other day, KC came across some notes he had taken and named Sleepy Vieve.


So, for your enjoyment:


Sleepy Vieve #1

Vieve: This is awesome.

Vieve: We can can see in color now!

KC: We can see in color now?

Vieve: Yeah, cause we couldn't see in color before.

Vieve: Now I can see my baby in color. 

[then according to KC, I gave him a hug over the exciting news.]

Sleepy Vieve #2

Vieve: The gummy bear was just enough.

Sleepy Vieve #3

Vieve: 170677

Sleepy Vieve #4

Vieve: We haven't done it before.

KC: What?

Vieve: We haven't printed the picture before.

Sleepy Vieve #5

Vieve: Where does what's his name sleep?

KC: Who's that?

Vieve: I don't know.

Sleepy Vieve #6

[Waking me up to take him home]

KC: Vieve, you need to take me home.

Vieve: If you think you're so fast why don't you just run home. 

The Obscure

Per Krick's request. 

Here is my list of random, surprising, and even obscure tunes that might make it onto my running playlist now an again. [note: I am not proud of some of these]

Cleveland Rocks: The Presidents of The United States of America (You know. The Drew Carrey TV show theme song? I didn't watch the show...but this song actually has a great 'get going' beat)

Doctor Jones: Aqua (I had too...sorry.)

Set it Off: Audioslave

We Ready: Archie Eversole

Rollercoaster: B*Witched

Sing, Sing, Sing: BBC Big Band Orchestra

Nothing from Nothing: Billy Preston

Cleopatra's Theme: Cleopatra

Golden Year: David Bowie

Work It Out: High School Musical 2 [embarrassing]

Danger: Hilary Duff [also embarrassing, which is worse?]

Wonderful World: Herman's Hermits

Let the Bodies Hit the Floor: Disturbed

War: Edwin Starr

Hound Dog: Elvis Presley

Stacy's Mom: Fountains of Wayne

Jump in Line: Harry Belefonte

Little Bit More: Jamie Lidell

The Impression That I Get: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

All the Young Dudes: Mott the Hoople

In the Summertime: Mungo Jerry

Crazy Train: Ozzy Osbourne

The World's Greatest: R. Kelly

Purple Stain: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Super Freak: Rick James

Shutup: Simple Plan

I Like Big Butts: Sir Mixalot

I Wish: Skee-Lo

Fat Lip: Sum 41

Wipe Out: Surfaris

Ballroom Blitz: Sweet

Cobrastyle: Teddybears

Icky Thump: The White Stripes

Start the Commotion: Wise Guys

Last Day of School: Wylde Bunch

Can you believe I intentionally left out some? I know! And here's why.... because I'll post my playlist for the half-marathon in the next few days and that includes some others.

Now that I have an interesting playlist...off to run 5 miles.

*Krick: also, if you don't listen to ACDC or Led Zepplin, you should....there are some great songs to run to between them.

The Vieve who cried...

Sometimes I think KC hears me like this ALL the time.

I. might. exaggerate. just. a. bit.

[but who likes a boring story?]

See more funny videos and TBT at Todays Big Thing.

Little did you know...

Little did you know...I have to eat all the outside edge of a burger or sandwich first. It's risky, because the best bite is the center piece. Will I be full by then? Or won't I? I am willing to take the risk.


Little did you know...I once asked for work off so that I could watch the "Friends" series finally.  Little did you know...I knew I was a loser at the time.


Little did you know...I have claustrophobia of the toes. Actually it's kind of the opposite. Well, no it's not. I just have issues with the spacing. Half the time I cross them to get rid of the space. But then if they are crammed into shoes, it makes me want to scream. 


Little did you know...I cheated last night and had a handful of skittles. And I was...

[--this close--] 

...to popping a Dr. Pepper. But I withheld. It was an insane day. I cracked for a minute. Not gonna fret about it. What's done is done. Moving forward, sugarless...


Little did you know...I am typing with my hood on my hoodie up over my head. But I'm not a weirdo, KC's affirmed me that it's cute when I do it....not creepy.


Little did you know...I love it when it gets so hot outside, that I can push my shoe into the melting tar in a parking lot. And of getting in a car on a hot summer day and just absorbing the skorching air that's been roasting in the car. Can you tell I am cold and ready to be done with winter?


Little did you know...that I am going on a shopping spree this weekend. I feel the urge to splurge. I might not wait and just shop online. That's a horrible idea. 


Little did you know...Hautelook is addictive. I really want this and this and this...and if this weren't sold out, I would have purchased it before I could link it up. I own too much black and grey. So it's better I stay away.


Little did you know...That I got a good laugh today from this clip. [note: the first 2 min 45 sec are boring, so skip to 2:45 and then watch for the marry, screw, kill portion....I am laughing again.]

Ignore This. It's a waste of your time.

I haven't done a mid-week post in a while. And believe me, I am not sitting over here only thinking about all the positive things that happen in my life. I only do that on Sundays. The rest of the week is pure gloom. [Okay, I am just kidding, well kind of. But don't call me or worry about it. It's life.]


I already know this is going to be completely random. 


Fasten.
Your.
Seatbelts.


My thoughts aren't that absurd. Come on, really? Why did I say that?


Our house smells like Bengay right now. Not even Bengay. Melaleuca Pain-a-Trate (rip off) I stole from my moms house 5 years ago. But it sure feels good on my legs. I killed my run today. But my calves are paying for it.

Every day I get closer to having to live a cheaper life. I am starting to think I should stock up on things I wanted to buy over the next 6 months before I get canned (tomorrow? no I think I bought myself until the 5th of March at least, and if we can't do that, it's ridiculous). Katy Perry concert tickets, new headphones, Legally Blonde the Musical Tickets, my half-marathon entrance fee, electrolyte gel for the race.

I have to do my taxes. No refund this year makes it no fun.

I could be a vegetarian only because I hate cooking meat. The prep. The time. The ick factor. But then again, there is bacon. I couldn't ever give up bacon. Or a nice juicy steak. Maybe I just need a cook.

I am married to the personality mix of Doug Heffernan and Marshall Eriksen. Exactly. I think it's a good mix.

I love having freshly shaved legs. It seems like a lot of girls like winter because they don't have to shave as much. I just can't do that. I have to shave. Maybe it's the running thing. Wearing shorts, even in the winter. Kind of like how I have to clip my toenails really short, otherwise I'll get blisters from my running shoes. TMI? Probably. I hate it when people share too much information on their blogs. Don't discuss your farts with me. It's gross. I should erase that paragraph. Oh well. I am too lazy.


Why would Justin Bieber cut his hair? His career is over. How in the world did I mention Justin Bieber twice in a week? Ugh. He's everywhere. Blasted!


Blogs are vain. Why would anyone read this? It's like a journal, but it is censored. It's. Kind. of. Stupid. But. I. Can't. Stop.

I don't know what my favorite dinosaur is. I know that Oz likes the Diplodocus. And Will Ferrel likes the Velociraptor. It seems like as a kid I liked the Brontosaurus. But it's kind of boring. The Stegosaurus is kind of cool.

David Boreanaz is "Hot" in Buffy. "Cute" in Angel. And "Eh" in Bones. Just an observation.


I can't end this post on a comment about David Boreanaz. It's embarrassing. 


Best game ever. Lego grab. Place all your legos in a pile and then each person grabs as many as they can. Then you build something with your portion of the blocks. But really, it was about the grabbing, not the building. So. Much. Fun. Don't believe me, try it. It's been years since I've played, probably 15, but I think it's time for another game. Siblings?

Have you noticed that my thoughts started out more serious/adult-like and have progressed on a downward trend. I think it's late. Ignore this post. I am going to bed.